Paterson schools official resigns; district replaces him with appointee from Newark

PATERSON – The administrator who oversaw the city’s school buildings resigned on Thursday and was replaced by the man who previously held a comparable position in Newark.

Chris Sapara-Grant had worked for Paterson Public Schools since December 2008 and was the director of facilities since 2010. State-appointed superintendent Donnie Evans declined to comment on the resignation, saying it was a personnel matter.

The condition of Paterson’s school buildings has been an ongoing problem. School board members, teachers’ union leaders and local education advocates have argued that the state has not provided the district with enough financial support to keep the buildings in good condition.

Almost 20 percent of the city’s schools are more than a century-old. State health and safety inspectors have issued numerous violations in recent years because of substandard conditions at the schools.

Sapara-Grant did not respond to a message left on his cell phone seeking his input for this story. In an email to other employees, Sapara-Grant said his resignation took effect on Thursday. “It is with regret that I inform you that my journey with Paterson Public Schools ends today,” he wrote.

“It was a wonderful 5 1/2 year journey,” Sapara-Grant added. “Good luck as you each continue to provide support for the Students and Staff of the District.”

Officials familiar with the circumstances of Sapara-Grant’s departure said there were no allegations of wrong-doing on his part. But they said that Evans requested the resignation.

Sapara-Grant’s predecessor, Michael Maglio, received $259,500 to settle a discrimination lawsuit he filed against Evans and the district over his termination in 2010.

Sapara-Grant’s salary last year was $127,677, according to district payroll records. Steven Morlino, the interim executive director for facilities, will be paid $132,000, officials said. The district did not need to advertise for applicants for the job because Morlino is serving on an interim basis, officials said. The permanent job will be posted within six to 12 months, officials said.

Morlino recently left Newark Public Schools, where he had been executive director for plant operations. He had worked for the Newark district since 1999, according to his resume.

Morlino’s appointment as interim director has already been approved by state education officials, according to Paterson Public Schools.